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Packers: 5 breakout candidates for 2021 playoffs

By Brian Sampson

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 19: Krys Barnes #51 of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a defensive stop during a game against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field on December 19, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Panthers 24-16. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 19: Krys Barnes #51 of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a defensive stop during a game against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field on December 19, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Panthers 24-16. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 19: Inside linebacker Krys Barnes #51 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after tackling running back Mike Davis #28 of the Carolina Panthers for a loss of yard in the third quarter of the game at Lambeau Field on December 19, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Packers’ breakout candidate no. 4: Krys Barnes

It may have flown under the radar in the Packers’ Week 17 victory over the Chicago Bears, but Krys Barnes is basically Green Bay’s new starting inside linebacker. He outpaced the previous starter, Christian Kirksey, in snaps by a wide margin–59 to 35, respectively.

Barnes’ specialty is stopping the run, something the Packers have struggled to do for most of this season. He’s a physical player who loves to plug the running holes, but struggles to cover sideline to sideline. If defensive coordinator Mike Pettine can keep Barnes in on running downs and limit his matchups in the passing game with running backs and wide receivers, this undrafted free agent could be an up and coming player for the green and gold.

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